Isabel Smith, Senior Trusts Fundraiser, with Ryan Crown and Adrian Button from the Hospital Saturday Fund
Supporting a charity through your business is a sustainable way to raise vital funds for Pilgrims Hospices whilst increasing brand visibility at the same time.
A commercial partnership simply means raising money for a charity through product sales or service delivery, and is an easy way to embed fundraising into your daily activity. Whether you are a big corporate or a small family-run business, this is a partnership that can work for you.
Our Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, Leila Ilkhan, will guide you every step of the way, ensuring the partnership is tailored to suit your business needs and putting in place the necessary agreements. All you have to do is share how your business is making a difference in the community by doing what you do best.
Could Pilgrims Hospices be your 2027 Charity of the Year?
£30,000 for 300 years
Earlier this year, we were delighted to celebrate an extraordinary year of fundraising support from Furley Page Solicitors. The law firm marked a very special anniversary and chose Pilgrims as their 2026 Charity of the Year. From climbing the Three Peaks to hosting in-house events, the team raised a staggering amount of money. Through this support, a number of projects have been made possible, including equipment for Pilgrims’ community nurses, complementary therapy teams, and furniture to make our family lounge in the Canterbury hospice feel extra homely.
Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, with Aaron Spencer, Partner and Head of Private Client and Chair of the Furley Page Foundation
See more ways that your business can support Pilgrims:
Sarah and Danny from Injection Development Garage Services in Hersden have been committed supporters of the hospice for many years. Each year, the team sit down with our partnerships team to decide on the year’s fundraising activities.
Driving forward hospice care
This year, Sarah and Danny decided to make a donation for every engine service completed during the summer months. This is a great way for clients to feel part of supporting a charity, boost business revenue, and requires little time to run.
The team at SGS Energy based in Thanet has recently come on board as a Pilgrims Partner by pledging to make a donation for every domestic solar installation carried out.
What we’ve funded recently
Our Trusts fundraising team work closely with departments across the charity, creating a wish list of projects and items needed to deliver our services. Many of the pieces of equipment used in our hospices are funded through donations, and we would like to say thank you to the Trusts and Foundations that have supported our work.
Earlier this year, the Hospital Saturday Fund donated £2,000 to fund a bladder scanner. This piece of equipment means our nurses can preserve patient dignity and manage their pain non-invasively.
A donation of £30,000 from the Albert Hunt Trust also helped our team to buy 25 syringe drivers, which are used on our inpatient units, providing continuous medication to help manage symptoms and provide comfort to patients.
The Cantiacorum Foundation funded our Tiles of Joy project, which welcomed patients, carers and people who attend our bereavement groups to create their own ceramic tiles, each reflecting on what brings them happiness. This project helped participants to relax and be part of a wider meaningful experience.
Find out more about the support we receive from Trusts and Foundations:
If you’re feeling inspired and would like to talk to our fundraising team about how you can get involved with supporting the hospice, email [email protected].
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
16th April 2026
From gigs to generosity: Neon Rush raises more than £11,700 for Pilgrims Hospices
Neon Rush, a popular Thanet-based cover band, has raised an incredible £11,742.45 for Pilgrims Hospices through a year of community fundraising under their Thanet Rocks campaign.
The idea began when the band were challenged to give something back to the community that has supported them for so many years. Rather than choosing a charity themselves, they asked their followers to decide, and the response was clear, with Pilgrims Hospices chosen as the beneficiary.
What started as a single charity gig quickly grew into a full programme of fundraising events across Thanet. Throughout 2025, the band hosted quiz nights, organised raffles with generous support from local businesses, and sold merchandise with all profits donated.
A standout moment included the “Golden Ticket” raffle, where one lucky winner received a live performance from the band.
The campaign reached its peak in September 2025 with the Thanet Rocks Charity Music Festival at the Broadstairs Pavilion. Hundreds of people attended the sold-out event, which featured local bands, solo artists and a 100-strong Rock Choir, all donating their time to support the cause.
Additional fundraising highlights included a 3 Peaks Challenge, a sponsored head shave, and craft sales, all contributing to the final total.
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Andy Bolger from Neon Rush said:
“We wanted to give something back, and by involving our community we’ve been able to achieve something really special. It shows the power of music to bring people together and make a difference.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, added:
“This incredible total reflects the passion and dedication of everyone involved. Every pound raised helps us provide vital care for patients and their families across east Kent.”
Neon Rush with Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager
With their first year complete, Neon Rush has already confirmed plans to continue fundraising in 2026, including another Thanet Rocks music festival in September.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
2nd February 2026
A legacy in colour: Thanet artist donates his life’s work to Pilgrims Hospices
Local artist Carl Stafford has pledged to leave his entire collection of paintings to Pilgrims Hospices in his Will, creating a lasting legacy that will help protect hospice care for people across east Kent.
Carl’s father
When we visited Carl at his gallery-style home in Ramsgate, every wall was alive with colour and surrealist imagination.
Speaking in his gentle Brummy accent, the 61-year-old father of two daughters and grandfather of five shared how his lifelong passion for art – and his personal experience of hospice care – inspired his decision.
Carl’s father was cared for by a hospice many years ago, and the experience has stayed with him.
“The care was just exemplary,” Carl recalls.
“Nothing was too much trouble, and they made the end of his life comfortable and free from pain. They even organised a wedding for him and his long-term partner, which made the end of his life so special for him and those closest to him.
That sparked something within me that made me realise supporting special places such as hospices was really important. This is Hospice Care at its very best.”
Carl’s art is full of expression and dreamlike imagery, influenced by Salvador Dalí, René Magritte and Max Ernst, among others. Through his legacy, he hopes his creative life’s work will help future generations to experience the same compassion, dignity and support that meant so much to his family.
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“I’m a very positive person, and by making this legacy, I hope it will help many people in the future to take comfort and support from Pilgrims Hospices,” he said. “I’ve always been inspired by my father, who was a very fine artist. I still treasure a painting he created for me back in the 1970s. I take great pleasure in the thought that my own work will live on and continue to make a difference.”
Carl working in his studio
Carl also draws inspiration from his local area. Living close to where Vincent Van Gogh once stayed and worked in Ramsgate gives him a special connection to art history and his community.
By choosing to leave his body of work to Pilgrims Hospices, Carl is ensuring that his love of art will continue to support others, helping protect the future of hospice care for generations to come.
Securing hospice care for future generations
Pilgrims Hospices care for an estimated 30% of the people who die in east Kent each year, providing free, specialist end-of-life care in their inpatient units in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford, as well as in people’s own homes. This compassionate, holistic support for patients and families is what hospice care truly means.
Ellie Cane, Individual Giving Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, said:
“We’re so grateful to Carl for his incredible generosity. Every gift in a Will, large or small, helps us to be there for patients and families when they need us most. Carl’s story shows the very special ways people can leave a legacy of care for their community, protecting hospice care for future generations.”
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
16th January 2026
Pilgrims Hospices’ Christmas Tree Recycling campaign raises a record breaking £84,000 for end-of-life care
Pilgrims Hospices’ annual Tree Recycling campaign has once again been a tree-mendous success, giving more than 4,600 Christmas trees a second life and raising over £84,000 to help provide specialist end-of-life care for local people across east Kent.
Over the weekend, volunteers were out in force across Canterbury, Thanet, and Ashford, collecting trees directly from doorsteps. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, local residents, and businesses, this year’s total has surpassed expectations – helping to fund vital care for patients and their families.
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Sue Sharp, Director of Marketing and Income Generation, with the ITV Meridian News team at the Canterbury hospice site
More than 125 incredible volunteers took part, supported by local businesses who kindly donated their time, vans, and equipment free of charge. Pilgrims staff also worked throughout the weekend to make sure collections ran smoothly and efficiently.
At the Canterbury hospice site, chipping services were once again kindly donated by the father-and-son team at D. Parr Tree Surgeons, who have a personal connection to the hospice’s care.
Sue Sharp, Director of Marketing and Income Generation at Pilgrims Hospices, said:
“This campaign is all about community spirit – turning festive trees into vital care for families in east Kent. Every tree collected helps fund essential hospice services, and we couldn’t do it without our incredible volunteers, supporters, and local businesses.”
All collected trees were processed in an environmentally friendly way – mapped for the most efficient routes, chipped, and reused for landscaping, composting, and even in the hospice’s own gardens.
Since the campaign began in Ashford 14 years ago, over 25,000 trees have been collected and more than £450,000 raised for Pilgrims Hospices.
It’s a brilliant way for communities to recycle, celebrate, and make a difference – one tree at a time!
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
23rd November 2025
Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospices Race raises £2,362 for local hospice care
Photograph: Alistair Barnett of Broadstairs Sailing Club
Pilgrims Hospice Thanet is delighted to have received an annual donation of £2,362 from the Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospice Race, held at Broadstairs Sailing Club over the August bank holiday weekend.
The cheque was presented to Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, by Michael Todd, Vice Commodore of Broadstairs Sailing Club.
Michael shared the origins of the event:
“The Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospice Race was created in memory of Broadstairs Sailing Club member and former Flag Officer, Steve Dyson, who sadly passed away on 25 August 2008. Steve spent his final days at the Margate hospice, where he received exceptional care. In gratitude, the Club felt it only right to give something back.
“What began as a tribute to Steve has grown into a celebration of all our past members, including those from the Royal Temple Yacht Club, Minnis Bay Sailing Club, Margate Yacht Club and Downs Sailing Club, whose sailors continue to support the race each year.
“For the past 17 years, the Dyson Dash Pilgrims Hospice Race has taken place every August bank holiday, featuring three back-to-back races. Entry is by donation, and all proceeds – including bar takings and buffet meal donations – go directly to Pilgrims Hospices.
“We are fortunate to have a major sponsor, Ramsgate Brewery (Gadds’), who generously provide a free 72-pint barrel of Seasider each year. This year, we were also kindly supported by Pips Cider, who donated two polypins of cider.
“To date, the Dyson Dash has raised an amazing £39,375.09 for the Margate hospice. We are incredibly proud of our ongoing connection with Pilgrims Hospices and look forward to supporting them for many years to come.”
Karen expressed her thanks on behalf of the charity:
“We would like to thank everyone who has organised, sponsored and supported this wonderful event over the past 17 years. These incredible donations have helped to fund more than 1,575 hours of specialist care, both in our hospice and in patients’ own homes.
“We simply couldn’t provide our services without your continued generosity. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year!”
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. There is also a 24-hour advice line.
5th October 2025
Hundreds get covered in colour for Pilgrims Hospices care
Wow! What a wonderful, happy and windy atmosphere seeing everyone again at this year’s Pilgrims Hospices Thanet 5k Colour Run, which took centre stage at Palm Bay, Cliftonville, Margate on Sunday 5 October 2025.
With over 400 Pilgrims Hospices supporters participating and raising an impressive £235k plus in the nine years the event has taken place for hospice end-of-life care in east Kent, it’s clear that the event made a significant impact.
Karen Kenward, Fundraising Manager, and the entire team deserve commendation for their hard work and dedication in organising such a successful event.
It’s heart-warming to see the community coming together on a most spectacular day in Cliftonville. It was exciting to see so many familiar faces; families and friends coming together to enjoy a colourful fun day while also supporting our local charity.
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Bex leading the warm-up
The fact that the weather was rather windy this year only added to the joy and vibrancy of the occasion.
A brilliant way to kick off the Colour Run event was with fitness expert Bex, who did a fun warm-up for all. The dynamic and energetic warm-up session was full of fun dance moves, and prepared everyone for the colourful and exciting spectacle ahead. With cool dance music playing, participants were encouraged to move, stretch, and get their hearts pumping, creating a lively atmosphere prior to a colour blast.
Karen said:
“The money raised today will undoubtedly go a long way in providing crucial support and care for those in need in the community. The Thanet 5k Colour Run is not only a fantastic way to raise money, but also a beautiful example of how communities can unite for a great cause and raise awareness for our charity. A huge well done to everyone who supported us on the day, and here’s to many more successful events in the future!”
Karen added:
“I would like to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to our sponsors –Stagecoach, Copyshop and Mini Stores in Deal. Also, thank you for the support of Margate Ambulance, Academy Radio, Isle of Thanet, Frank Leppard for his incredible photos, Pete our DJ, and lastly to Fundraising Assistant, Annie Pritchard, Pilgrims staff and volunteers who help support me in making this event so special each year, come wind, rain or shine!I think I can truly say we’ve all had a real colour blast of a day today and we couldn’t run the event without everyone’s wonderful support. Thank you all once again!”
Annie Pritchard, Fundraising Assistant, with husband and volunteer, Reg
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
